RING rusty Wilmslow head for Lymm this weekend to start their weather-delayed 2009 league programme.

The Wolves are under no illusion that there are tough times ahead in North Two West, and the new year will see teams looking for revenge and prove tough nuts to crack.

Lymm will be looking to avenge a 33-0 drubbing they suffered at the hands of the in-form Wolves at Pownall Park last year, and coach Darren Lucas is under no illusions about the reception his side will get at their near neighbours.

Lucas is selecting from almost a full hand of players who have worked hard to ensure that Lexus Stockport-sponsored Wilmslow brought in the new year in their highest-ever league position.

They lie fourth in North Two West, behind third-placed Rossendale on points difference, but they are well aware that there is a long way to go to the end of the season.

At Pownall Park next Saturday (January 24) they face second-placed Rochdale, the side who inflicted the Wolves’ heaviest defeat of the season, a 50-13 loss back in October.

The following week they travel to Rossendale, who won 24-16 when they visited Pownall Park, also in October.

A club spokesman said: "It has been a long lay-off over Christmas, extended by the weather, which forced the postponement of last week’s game at Lymm.

"But we have used the time sensibly in the gym and on the training paddock.

"We will give Lymm every respect and we expect a tough game at their place. We need to get back to winning ways, especially in preparation for Rochdale and Rossendale."

The Wolves are determined to end their yo-yo existence in this league which saw them relegated after each of the last two promotions into North Two West.